Importing Cars from Japan & Korea to Czechia

Importing cars from Japan and Korea to Czechia is straightforward with the right paperwork. After customs clearance, the car needs a technical approval (jednotlivé schválení, STK) before it can be registered.

Last updated: 11 November 2026 · By Japonic Trade

Key facts

Customs duty

10% of customs value. Under the EU–Japan trade agreement the duty on cars made in Japan is being phased out, so it may be lower or zero with proof of origin. Check the current rate with customs.

VAT

21%

Approval

Individual approval and inspection (jednotlivé schválení, STK) if there is no EU certificate of conformity

Registration

Registration through obecní úřad, after customs clearance and approval

Step by step

Buy and ship. We buy the car at auction or from stock and ship it to a port such as Hamburg or Koper, or another suitable EU port.
Customs clearance. Pay 10% duty and 21% VAT on arrival; keep the export certificate, bill of lading and invoice.
Technical approval. Have the car approved and inspected (jednotlivé schválení, STK) as required before registration.
Register the car. Take the approval, customs and ownership documents to obecní úřad, insure the car and receive your plates.

Duties, taxes and homologation

Cars imported from outside the EU normally pay the EU customs duty on passenger cars (10% of the customs value) plus VAT at your country's rate, and some countries add their own registration tax. Under the EU–Japan trade agreement the duty on cars made in Japan is being phased out, so it may be lower or zero with proof of origin. Check the current rate with customs.

Japanese and Korean market cars usually have no EU certificate of conformity, so most need individual vehicle approval and a technical inspection before they can be registered.

Frequently asked questions

What taxes apply in Czechia?

Expect 10% customs duty and 21% VAT on the customs value, plus any national registration charges. Ask us for an estimate for a specific car.

Can I register a car from Japan in Czechia?

Usually yes. Cars without an EU certificate of conformity normally need an individual approval and inspection (jednotlivé schválení, STK) before registration. Check the current requirements with the authorities before you buy.

Can I also import a car from Korea to Czechia?

Yes. We also supply cars from Korea; the same customs, VAT and approval steps apply. Korean-origin cars may qualify for a reduced duty under the EU–Korea trade agreement if the origin rules and documents are met.

Figures on this page are indicative only. Rates, taxes and rules change often and may differ for your car, so none of them is guaranteed. Always confirm current duty, tax and approval requirements with your customs authority before you buy.

See what is available

Browse used cars from Japan in stock ready to ship, or learn how to read a Japanese auction sheet. Questions? Talk to us.